PROGRAMMING RESOURCES
PROGRAMMING RESOURCES FOR HOME EDUCATION (Suggestions only)
Home educators use a wide range of curricula and teaching approaches. Some choose to use commercially available ‘packages’ or program outlines, others select from school programs and some devise their own curriculum, using an eclectic selection of texts workbooks, multi media, etc.
Before you buy ...
There are strategies to help you sort through the choices, alleviate fears and probably save money:1. Do your homework before buying curriculum
Reading some basic parent-help books can answer many of your concerns, help you develop your own “philosophy of education,” and maybe even suggest some programs that especially appeal to you. (See below for some suggested reading).
2. Spend money slowly
It’s easy to be convinced by a knowledgeable salesperson that his program is absolutely the best, that is, until you hear the pitch from the next person. Almost always, you can manage with fewer resources that you think you might need.
3. Consolidate grade levels whenever possible
Teach as many of your children as you can with the same resources at the same time. Generally, aim toward the older children when choosing books for the “group”.
4. Control your curriculum rather than letting it control you
Almost anything you choose will need to be adapted in one way or another to work well for your children. Use as much of a resource as is useful. Supplement if necessary. If what you are doing is not advancing your child’s knowledge or skills, go on to something else. Skipping pages in books is okay!
5. Remember that your children are individuals
What works for one might not work so well with another. Get to know the strengths and weaknesses of each child so that you can choose resources that teach to their strengths and help them to overcome weak areas. But don’t expect to be able to do this well in your first year home schooling!
6. Try to use materials from publishers that view education the same way you do
Publishers differ from one another in how they believe children learn best. Some prefer memorization and workbook activity while others recommend more hands-on type learning. With a little experience, you will begin to easily spot those who are on your wavelength.
The following list includes some of the more widely used programming resources. This list does not reflect Council opinions nor does it necessarily have our endorsement. It is not conclusive and there are many more options available via the Internet or other home educators.
1. Structured curricula (complete programs)
ABEKA:
A Bible based program, from America, with beautifully illustrated textbooks. One textbook per subject per year and can be used again for other children.
Very thorough program covering English (readers, phonics, language, grammar, spelling, poetry, vocabulary, literature, writing/penmanship), Maths, Science, Health, History/Geography, Economics, and Art. Includes Student texts and Teacher Editions, with test books.
Contact Light Educational Ministries (LEM) (02) 6259 3944.
Costs: Student texts range $20-35
Teacher editions range 25-50
Student test books range 8-12
Teacher test keys range 15-20
Back to the topACE (Accelerated Christian Education)
Bible based, developed through the sequential mastery of concepts and skills,
available from Kindergarten to Year 12. Diagnostic tests fit the child into
the program at the appropriate level for them. Students work through workbooks
(PACEs) in core and elective subject areas. Self-testing and parent supervised
tests are set. ACE provides parent training course and on-going certification
and record keeping for students. This American program has been adapted to
Australian use and includes Australian money, measurements and Social Studies
units.
Available from:
Australian Christian Academy Phone (07) 38815767.
(Tasmanian contacts) Brian and Ruth Bosveld, ph 6239 0532,
email: ruthbosveld@gmail.com
For more information see http://aca.edu.au
The Seabrook Distance Education Service
offers oversight of the program and attendance at educational centers, from 2-5 days/week, with teacher contact time and extra-curricular activities. Fees apply.
Contact 6435 1128 or email sbcs@microtech.com.au
Costs per student:
Establishment fee and diagnostic test $ 60.00
First student (per year) (includes all texts, answers and teacher contact and support $580
Second student (per year) $460.00
Third student (per year) $350.00
Extra students negotiable fee
Associate membership is available for those families using ACE curriculum but who only wish to join in the extra-curricular activities or on a daily basis.
Costs: Membership fee $ 35.00
Secondary student (per day) 12.50
Primary student (per day) 10.00
Afternoons only 7.50
Back to the topCatholic Curriculum:
A wide range of workbooks/courses specifically designed for Catholic home educators are available at reasonable prices. These are Australian materials compiled by home educators. For information contact one of the following:
Pat Mills RSD, 2245 Katamatite 3649, ph (03) 5748 5594 for a general list of resources.
Rick & Ellen Small, 9 Adrian Place, Greystanes, NSW 2145.
Phone (02) 9636 4762 or email ric.small@uts.edu.au
They have available a book entitled ‘An Introduction to Homeschooling - A Starter Kit for Homeschooling Catholics’. Lists recommended resources for each grade, with descriptions. Guidelines for teaching/learning included.
Back to the topCharlotte Mason method:
Teaches children to think critically, and express themselves both verbally and in written form, encourages an appreciation of classical music and art. Contact Victoria Sullivan 6267 1046 for more information.
Classical Curriculum:
For information on this, look up www.welltrainedmind.com
Can order ‘The Well-Trained Mind’ by Jessie Wise/Susan Bauer (Norton & Co Publishers) from here.
Also available: ‘Design Your Own Classical Curriculum’ by Laura Berquist, based in America, who also runs a correspondence course..
For home educator contact, ring THEAC office on 6334 5381.
Back to the topDorling Kindersley
Provides a range of books on a range of topics. These books are interestingly presented, curiosity-evoking books in Science, English and Maths. Your local book supplier should have catalogues, or try www.dk.com
Homeschooling Supplies (Australia):
Provides a Pre-school to Year 12 program using Australian material covering English, Maths, Science and SOSE. Free advice given in choosing and using the material, diagnostic tests to fit your child into the program, tests and Year 10 & 12 Certificates based on their program.
Contact Frank & Valerie Marret (03) 9742 7524 2pm-11pm EST Mon-Fri.
Costs: Vary depending on the books chosen but reasonably priced e.g. $5-30.
LifePac (Alpha Omega):
The LIFEPAC Curriculum is complete, twelve-year Christian curriculum teaching Bible, English (Language Arts), Maths, Science and History/Geography plus secondary electives. LIFEPACs are consumable paperback workbooks, each covering one tenth of a year’s work in one subject. Under the parent’s direction students read, learn, develop, interact and are tested. Scriptural truths are reinforced throughout the curriculum, as well as in the separate Bible course. LIFEPAC is carefully thought out and easy to use, making it an excellent choice for those starting out in home education with Christian base.
This curriculum has been adapted and enhanced with video clips, animation, sound and lots more, to create the new CD-ROM version, called Switched-On Schoolhouse.
Contact Kingsley Educational Pty Ltd (KEPL) (03) 9544 8792 or email talldad@kepl.com.au
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